Battery vending machine



May 31, 1938. A. c. WAGNER 2,119,063

BATTERY VENDING MACHINE Filed July 5, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet l I: ZE

INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY5 May 193s.

I g ff i A. c. WAGNER 2,119,063

BATTERY VENDING MACHINE Filed Ju 5' 1935 4 Sheets-s 2 w EAL ZZ W W WWW /g l 1 92 V l r g -:'5$

220' 3/ 4& 225 E1.

INVENTOR,

A TTORNEY y 31, 1933- A. c.. WAGNER 2,119,063

BATTERY VENDING MACHINE Filed July 5, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 E l E a INVENTOR. fiZf/ ad c? Mdyvex A TTORNEY6.

May 31, 1938. A. c. WAGNER BATTERY VENDING MACHINE Filed July 5, 1955' 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. HZ frad C. 14 447??? ATTORNEYfi Patented May 31, 1938 BATTERY VENDING MACHINE Alfred C. Wagner, Highland Park, Micln, assignmto Bessie M. Wagner, Highland Park, Mich.

Application July 5, 1935, Serial N0. 29,807

5 Claims.

The present invention relates to coin controlled vending or dispensing apparatus, and more particularly to a coin controlled device for vending or dispensing electrical articles such as storage batteries and electric lamps.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic vending or dispensing machine for storage batteries, electric lamps, or both.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a device of the last mentioned type, embodying coin controlled actuating mechanism.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a vending or dispensing machine for electrical articles such as batteries or lamps, of the magazine feed type, and arranged to discharge the articles one at a time.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a vending or dispensing machine for electrical articles such as batteries or lamps, and embodying a plurality of magazines selectively responsive to the discharge means.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a vending or dispensing machine for electrical articles such as batteries, and embodying a plurality of magazines arranged to be successively emptied in response to the discharge mechanism.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a vending or dispensing machine of the last mentioned type, embodying mechanism effective upon depletion of one magazine to permit the articles in another magazine to be dispensed.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a vending or dispensing machine for electrical articles such as batteries or lamps and embodying one or more magazines of the gravity feed type.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a vending or dispensing machine for electrical articles and embodying feeding magazines of the endless belt type.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a vending or dispensing machine for electrical articlessuch as lamps and embodying a plurality of rotatably supported magazines, selectively registerable with the discharge mechanism.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a vending or dispensing machine for electrical articles such as lamps, including a plurality of loading magazines, and embodying slidable mechanism to render the magazines responsive to the discharge mechanism.

It is also an object. of the present invention to provide a vending or dispensing machine for electrical apparatus and embodying means to provide an automatic indication of the electrical condition of the articles.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a vending or dispensing machine of the last mentioned character and embodying means responsive to a discharge operation to give an indication of the electrical condition of the article.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a vending or dispensing machine of the last mentioned character in which the indication is given in response to operation of coin controlled apparatus.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a vending or dispensing machine in which an indication of the electrical fitness of an article is given as an incident to the discharge of the article from the machine.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a vending or dispensing machine for electrical articles, in which a test indication of the electrical fitness of an article may take the form of a lighted lamp, 8. meter indication, or an audible indication.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a vending or dispensing machine constructed to accommodate a variety'of sizes of electrical articles, such as batteries or lamps.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a unitary, compact structure of vending or dispensing machines, which is light in weight, economical of manufacture, durable and positive in operation, and may be selectively arranged to include means to dispense either electric batteries, electric lamps, or both.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention appear in the following description and in the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings, throughout which corresponding reference characters are used to designate corresponding parts,

Figure 1 is a view in front elevation of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a view in front elevation, with the cover removed, of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a view in vertical section taken along the line 3-3 of Fig. 2; I

Fig. 4 is a view in vertical section taken along the line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a view in horizontal section taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a view in horizontal section taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is a view in vertical section taken along the line 1-1 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a view in horizontal section taken along the line 8 8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a view in horizontal section taken along the line 9-9 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a view in horizontal section taken along the line |0l0 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 11 is a view in front elevation of a modified form of indicating element from that shown in Figure 3, which may be used in the practice of the present invention;

Fig. 12 isa view in front elevation, with certain of the parts broken away, of a second modifled indicating element which may be used in the practice of the present invention;

Fig. 13 is a view in vertical section of a modifled form of magazine, which may be used in the practice of the present invention;

Fig. 14 is a view in vertical section taken along the line l4-|4 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a view in horizontal section taken along the line l5-l5 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 16 is a view in vertical section of a modifled form of multiple magazine which may be used in the practice of the present invention; and

Fig. 17 is a view in vertical section taken along the line l1l'! of Fig. 16.

In its broader aspects, the present invention is directed generally to the provision of automatic vending devices. In the form illustrated, the construction is arranged to automatically dispense, in response to coin controlled actuating mechanism, one or more sizes of flash light batteries, one or more sizes of flash light bulbs, or both classes of apparatus. As will appear more fully from further description, the illustrated construction lends itself to economical manufacture, and to compact arrangement in a relatively small and light weight container.

Considering the illustrated form of the device as a whole, it comprises a coin controlled magazine for each of two sizes of flash light batteries, and a coin controlled magazine for dispensing three sizes of flash light bulbs. The exact form of coin controlled mechanism forms no part of the present invention, and may be arranged as desired. Preferably, the coin'controlled mechanism is of the type in which insertion of a coin in a suitably disposed slot releases actuating mechanism, in operative association with the loading magazine for the articles. As illustrated, the coin slots are conveniently located on the face of an enclosing cabinet, adjacent the associated actuating lever.

In dispensing the larger sizes of flash light batteries, it has been found desirable in the practice of the present invention to provide two or more loading magazines in operative association with a single coin slot and actuating mechanism. In accordance with the present invention, the multiple magazines thus provided are arranged to be emptied one at a time and successively, in response to repeated actuations of the coin mechanism. The arrangement is preferably such that the discharge of the last battery from one magazine renders the batteries in an adjacent magazine responsive to the coin mechanism. As illustrated, this successive response is effected by tumbler mechanism which normally closes off one of the magazines, and, upon discharge of the last battery from an adjoining magazine, opens such one magazine. For the smaller sizes of batteries, a single magazine has been found suflicient, and this arrangement has accordingly been illustrated in the drawings.

In accordance with a modified embodiment of the present invention, the batteries are suspended within receptacles connected to an endless belt, disposed to be indexed around, one receptacle at a time, in response to successive actuations of the coin mechanism.

Preferably, and as illustrated, the magazine mechanism for storing the flash light bulbs is of the multiple type, in order to accommodate a variety of different sizes of bulbs, and is arranged for response to a single coin controlled device. Manually operated means, which may conveniently take the form of a dial mounted on the face of the enclosing cabinet are provided to bring any selected one of the bulb magazines into registry with the coin controlled mechanism. As mentioned in connection with the battery mechanism, the coin mechanism associated with the bulb forms no part of the present invention and may be of any desired type, but is preferably arranged to release an operating member in response to the insertion of a coin.

Afurther feature of the present invention is the provision of means to effect a test of the electrical fitness of each discharged battery. Preferably, and as illustrated, this test occurs automatically as an incident to the discharge of a battery from its associated magazine. A preferred arrangement for accomplishing this comprises a contact disposed within the cabinet for engagement by the center battery terminal in the course of the discharge movement of the battery. A second terminal is provided for engagement by the battery casing, also in the course of this movement. The contacts thus engaged are connected together through an external circuit which includes a suitable indicating element. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, this indicating element is a flash light bulb, and the consequent lighting thereof demonstrates the fltness of the batteries. In accordance with modifled embodiments, the indicating element may take the form of a conventional electric meter, or a buzzer.

The several elements of the unit may be arranged within the enclosing cabinet in various Ways. Preferably, however, and as illustrated, the mechanism directly associated with the batteries is supported within the enclosing cabinet, and the mechanism directly associated with the bulbs is attached to and is removable with the cabinet cover plate. This arrangement, as will appear from further description, promotes ready access to the parts upon removal of the cover for inspection or maintenance purposes.

Considering the above mentioned elements in more detail, and referring first to the preferred embodiment, shown in Figs. 1 through 10, the

cover plate 20, (Fig. 1), provides a mounting for an indicating element 24, a selective dial 26 associated with the bulbs, a coin slot 28, a bulb discharge lever 30 and a key operated lock 32; and is apertured at 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46. The apertures 34, 42 and 46 expose, respectively, the discharge chutes 48, 50 and 52 (Fig. 2) associated with the bulbs, the larger batteries, and the smaller batteries. The openings 36 and 38 are provided to accommodate the coin openings 54 and 56 (Fig. 2) associated with the larger and smaller batteries respectively. The openings 40 and 44 are provided to accommodate the actuating levers 58 and 60 (Fig. 2) associated with the larger and smaller batteries respectively. It will be understood that suitable legends may be incribed on the face of cover plate 20 to indicate the character of the respective articles, and to further indicate the mode'of operation of the device, and the purpose of the indicating element 24. Cover plate 20 may be securedto cabinet 22, in any suitable manner, as by the clip 2I (Fig. 2) and locked in position with the conventional key controlled means designated 23.

Referring particularly to Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 6, the magazines for storing the larger size batteries comprise the two adjacent generally U-shaped frames I and 12 of appropriate size to freely receive a single column of batteries. Frames I0 and I2 are preferably formed of pressed metal, of electrical conducting character. The rear faces thereof are secured to the rear wall of cabinet 22 in any-,desired manner, and the forward edges I3 and I thereof are turned inwardly slightly. The tuiined-in edges are in spaced relation and act as guides to prevent the batteries 69 and II (Fig. 4) from falling forwardly out of the associated magazines. As illustrated, additional rigidity is secured by the intermediate connecting elements I6, I8 and 80 (Fig. 2)

The inturned faces I3 and I5 of magazines I0 and I2 respectively, are cut away near the upper limits thereof, to permit the insertion of batteries within the magazines. The inner walls of magazines I6 and I2 are cut away near the lower limits thereof, and the outer walls thereof are bent inwardly at 82 and 84, for the purpose of deflecting the batteries in the respective magazines into the path of the coin controlled discharge element 86 (Fig. 4).

The mechanism for closing off one of the magazines, and rendering the batteries in the other successively subject to the coin mechanism, comprises the lever 90, the arm 92 and the lugs 94. The arm 90 is suitably keyed to a shaft 96, which is journaled in support I8, and in a corresponding support 98 which is connected between the inner walls of magazines I0 and I2. A short crank arm I00 is also keyed to shaft 86. The lower end of the inner wall of magazine I2 is slotted at 9| to accommodate arm 90. Spring I02 tends to rotate arms 90 and I00 in a counterclockwise direction'from the positions illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4 to positions in which arm 90 lies in the path of the batteries II, positioned Within magazine I2. The presence of a battery II in magazine I2, however, prevents this rotation, and maintains arms 90 and I00 in the positions illustrated. In this positioning of the parts, the lug 0 formed at the lower end of crank arm I00 lies in the path of arm 92, and is effective to maintain the latter in the position shown in Fig. 2. Ann 92 is keyed toa shaft I I2, suitably journaled within the supporting cabinet 22, and to which the two lugs 94 are also suitably keyed. With arm 92 held in the position illustrated in Fig. 2, lugs 94 are correspondingly held in a position in which they block oif magazines I0 (Figs. 2, 4 and 6).

In loading the magazines I0 and I2, the arm 92, which is exposed upon removal of the cover plate 20, is swung to the position shown in Fig. 2, and batteries II are then inserted in magazine I2. As shown in Fig. 4, the initial several batteries II fill the lower portion of magazine I2, and force arm 90 to the position illustrated in Fig. 4, in which, as described, it is effective to hold lug IIO over the end of arm 92 (Fig. 2). Thereafter, both magazines I0 and I2 may be filled.

As previously mentioned, the particular form of coin controlled discharge mechanism forms no part of the present invention. The illustrated coin controlled device associated with magazines I0 and I2, referring to Figs. 2, 3 and 4, includes the substantially circular ratchet device I20, having an embossment I2I on the face thereof, and which is keyed on the shaft I 22. Shaft I22 is suitably Journaied in a support I24 which extends across the face of cabinet 22 and is secured thereto by screws I26; and in a journal I28 which is embedded in the rear face of cabinet '22. The operating handle 58 is suitably secured to the face of ratchet I by the pin I30. As best shown in Fig. 3, shaft I22 also carries a sleeve I25, suitably keyed thereto, and from which the previously mentioned plates 86 extend in spaced relation. Plates 86 have oppositely disposed partially circular cut-outs I 82, of appropriate size to receive the batteries and it will be understood that the spacing between plates is somewhat less than the length of the batteries.

The periphery of ratchet I20, near the forward edge thereof, is provided with the cutaway cam surfaces I40 with which the spring member I42 cooperates to limit counterclockwise rotation of body' 120. Spring I42 is secured to the cross member I24 by stud I44.

In axially spaced relation to the cams I40, ratchet I 20 also includes the two diametrically opposed cams I46, which cooperate with the lower extremity of pawl I48. Pawl I48 is pivotally secured, by pin I49, to the upwardly extending portion I50 of cross bar I24, and is biased to the position illustrated in Fig. 2 by a coil spring I52 (Fig. 3). In such biased position, it will be understood that pawl I48 is effective to limit clockwise rotation of body I20, and consequently of plates 86. Pawl I48 may be withdrawn by inserting a coin such as I in a peripheral notch I62 formed in body I20. It will be understood that one of such peripheral notches is provided for each normal or stationary position of body I20. As illustrated, two such notches I62 are provided (Fig. 2).

Coin I 60 is delivered to a notch I62 through the coin opening 54, which is suitably secured to the previously mentioned upward extension I50 of cross bar I24. Coin opening 54 conventionally includes an opening of sufficient size to receive a coin of the selected denomination, which communicates with an inner slot through which the coin slides under the influence of gravity. It will be understood that coin opening 54 is disposed directly above and in relatively close proximity to the notch I62 formed in body I20. With a coin I60 inserted in the upper notch I62, rotation of body I20 brings the coin into engagement with the shoulder II0 formed on pawl I48. Further rotation forces pawl I48 outwardly with respect to ratchet I20, so that the lower end of pawl I48 disengages the cooperating cam surface I46, permitting rotation of body I20 through substantially I degrees. In the course of this rotation, coin I 60 is moved to a position in which it rolls, under the influence of gravity, out of the cooperating notch I 62 and is discharged into a suitable collecting receptacle I12 which, as illustrated, is conveniently removably supported on the lower enclosing surface of cabinet 22.

As thus far described, it will be understood that insertion of a coin into the coin opening 54 enables rotation of the ratchet I20 through an angle of substantially degrees. Referring particularly to Fig. 4, each such rotation of the coin body I20, is accompanied by a corresponding rotation of the plates 86. Each such rotation discharges one battery from magazine I0 or I2 onto the sloping surface I14 of the discharge chute 50 associated therewith, from which it may be removed through the opening 42 in cover plate 20. A discharge of more than one battery foreach operation of the coin mechanism is prevented by the circular formation of plate 86 between the grooves I32. As previously mentioned, arm 90 and the cooperating lugs 94 function so that any batteries disposed in magazine 12 are discharged before any batteries disposed in magazine I0, in response to the successive rotations of the coin mechanism. Upon discharge of the last battery from magazine I2, however, arm 90 is swung in a counter-clockwise direction under the influence of spring I02 (Fig. 2), releasing arm 92 from dog H0, and correspondingly permitting lugs 94 to be forced out of the path of any batteries in magazine l0. Thereafter, as will be understood, successive operations of the coin mechanism discharge the batteries from magazine I0 one at a time.

With further reference to Fig. 2, the smaller magazine, designated generally I 80, is similar in all respects to each of the previously described magazines l0 and 12, being of generally U-shaped construction with the partially enclosed front face, and adapted to receive batteries of smaller size than those received by magazines I0 and I2. Magazine I is provided with coin controlled discharge apparatus I82 and coin opening 56 in all respects as described in connection with the coin controlled apparatus for magazines I0 and I2. It will be understood that upon insertion of a coin in opening 56, handle 60 associated with coin apparatus I82 may be rotated to discharge a battery from magazine I80 onto the sloping lower surface I84 of discharge chute 52, in all respects as described in connection with the discharge of batteries from magazines I0 and I2. It will be further understood that, if desired, a multiple magazine construction may be utilized in connection with the smaller size batteries, a single arrangement being illustrated for simplification of the drawings.

Considering the mechanism for providing an indication of the electrical condition of the batteries, and referring particularly to Figs. 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10, the element 24 comprises a lamp I suitably socketed in an enclosure I92 and provided with a lens I 94. Enclosure I92 is suitably secured in the cover plate 20, by a bracket I93 formed thereon, which forms one terminal, and through which a screw I95 passes into cover 20. As best shown in Fig. 10, the central terminal I96 of lamp I90 is electrically connected to a bus bar I98, which is secured to cover 20 by screws 200, it being understood that cover 20 is formed of insulating material. The other terminal I93 for lamp I90 is electrically connected to a bus bar 202 which is secured to cover plate 20 by a screw 204. As best shown in Figures 2 and 3, bus bar 202 extends upwardly and the bent over end thereof bears against a bent over portion I91 of magazine I0, to thus form an electrical connection between terminal I93 and magazine I0. As previously mentioned, magazines I0 and I2 are electrically connected through, for example, the intermediate metal elements 16, I8 and 80. An electrical connection between magazines I2 and I80 is also afforded by, for example, soldering conductor 206 between the adjacent side walls thereof (Fig. 2). It will be understood, therefore, that each of the battery magazines is in electrical contact with one terminal I93 of lamp I90.

The electrical conductor 2 I0 (Fig. 2) is suitably electrically connected to bus bar I98, and extends downwardly through the unit, being disposed in the space between magazines I2 and I80, andzat its lower end is divided into two parallel sections 2 I2 and 2 I4 which lead respectively and are electrically connected to the terminals 222 and 224. Terminal 222 is carried by but insulated'from a support 2I8 of spring-like material, which is pivoted to cross-bar I24 by a pin 226 carried by a bracket 221 suitably secured upon the inner face of bar I24. It is biased inwardly somewhat by a suitable coil spring 220 (Fig'. 5). Terminal 224 is correspondingly carried on the flexible support 2I8, which is biased to an inner position by the spring 226. In the course of the discharge of a battery from either of the magazines I0, I2 or I 80, such battery reaches the position, with respect to the associated contacts 222 or 224, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 5. In this position, the center contact of the battery engages the contact 222 or 224. At this time, as will be understood, the casing of the battery, which conventionally forms the second terminal thereof, is in engagement with the rear conducting wall of the associated magazine. A circuit is thus completed from the center terminal, through the contact 222 or 224, conductor 2I0, bus bar I98, lamp I90, bus bar 202, and through the magazine rear wall to the other side of the battery. The response of lamp I90 to this circuit affords an indication as to the condition of the battery.

Considering now the mechanism associated with the bulbs, and referring particularly to Figs. 2, 7, 8 and 9, the mechanism comprises generally the three radially disposed slot-like magazines 230, which are preferably connected together along their rear walls, and are suitably secured to upper and lower cover plates 232 and 234 respectively. The slightly inturned forward edges 236 of magazines 230, which serve to prevent accidental discharge of the bulbs, are cut away at the upper ends of the magazines 230, to permit the insertion of bulbs. The lower plate 234 is provided with radial slots 238, which correspond in number to the magazines 230 and are located in registry therewith, to permit the discharge of bulbs from the magazines.

The three magazines 230 are suitably fixed, through plates 232 and 234, to a shaft 240, which is pivotally supported at its lower end in the upper fiat substantially circular surface 242 of a coin mechanism, and at its upper end in a bearing support 244 which extends inwardly from and is secured to the cover plate 20 by screws 246. Gears 248 and 250 form a driving connection between shaft 240 and the shaft 252, which extends through an opening in cover plate 20 and to the outer end of which the dial 26 is secured.

A pawl 260, pivotally secured to the bracket 244, and biased inwardly with respect to the upper plate 232 by a spring 262, cooperates with a plurality of cam notches 264 formed at the periphery of plate 232 and, as will be understood, prevents counter-clockwise rotation thereof as viewed in Fig. 8. Plate 232 and consequently the magazines 230, however, may be rotated in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 8 in response to rotation of dial 26, to bring any selected one of the magazines 230 into registry with a radial slot 243 formed in plate 242 and disposed above the coin mechanism described below. Preferably, the several magazines 230 are utilized to store different sizes of bulbs, and the cover plate 20 is provided with distinguishing characteristics, such as the arrowheads 266 (Fig. 1) with which the pointer 268 on dial 26 may be brought into registry to indicate the positions of the magazines.

As mentioned in connection with the battery vending elements, the coin slot mechanism associated with the bulb mechanism may be of any selected type. The illustrated mechanism comprises the coin opening 28 (Figs. 1 and 7) which may correspond in construction to the coin openings 55 and 56 associated with the batteries; the coin controlled ratchet mechanism 210 disposed for actuation by handle 30, and which may correspond in construction to the ratchet mechanism I20 described in connection with the battery mechanism; and the discharge element desig-' nated 21I. Ratchet mechanism 210 is keyed on shaft 212, which is supported between the cross member 214 and the bearing boss 216 which, as illustrated, is formed integrally with the previously mentioned circular slotted plate 242. 216 is secured by screw 218 to the member 280 which extends downwardly and is secured to the cover plate 20 in any desired manner, and also functions as a bulb discharge chute. As shown in Fig. '7, the lower end 282 of chute 280 is curved upwardly to form a retaining groove to receive the discharged bulbs, which may be removed therefrom through the opening 34 in cover plate 20, As best shown in Fig. 9 support 214 extends across the rear face of ratchet mechanism 210, and the outwardly extending legs thereof are secured to cover plate 20 by screw 286.

The discharge element 21I is suitably keyed to shaft 212, is generally cylindrical in shape, and is provided with the axial groove 294, which is of sufllciently large size to receive the largest size bulb to be discharged. As illustrated, only a single groove 294 is provided in element 21l, so that it will be understood that each discharging operation involves a complete revolution of the coin mechanism, as distinguished from the 180 rotation required in connection with the other coin mechanisms. The single discharge slot 294 normally occupies the position shown in Fig. 2, slightly out of registry with the magazines 230. In this position, any bulbs in the particular magazine 230 in position for cooperation with the coin mechanism, are retained in that magazine by the cylindrical formation of element 2". The bulbs in the other magazines 230 are supported on the upper surface of the plate 242. Upon insertion of a coin in slot 28, and rotation of handle 30, slot 294 is brought into registry with the just mentioned magazine 230, at which time one bulb drops into such slot. Further rotation of handle 30 moves slot 294 out of registry ,with the magazine 230, carrying the single bulb with it and the full face of element 21I thereafter retains the remaining bulbs in the magazine. Upon continued rotation of element 211, the discharged bulb falls into the discharge chute defined by member 280. As described in connection with the battery coin mechanism also, the coin is allowed to fall into the collecting receptacle 300 which is conveniently removably supported between an end wall and the discharge chute 280.

A cross member 302 is pivotally supported on cross bar 214 by pin 304 and is biased by spring 306 into engagement with the plate 308 which is formed at the forward edge of discharge element 211. In the normal position of the coin mechanism, bar 302 rests upon a flat portion of plate 308, and frictionally retains the assembly in such normal position.

As an alternative to the lamp I90, the indicating meter 3I0 of Fig. 11 may be used. Meter 3l0 may be secured in cover plate 20 in the manner described in connection with the lamp unit 24, and the usual terminals thereof may be connected to bus bars I38 and 202 in the manner described in connection with the lamp unit. It will be understood that meter 3I0 may be calibrated in any desired units.

As a further alternative, the buzzer 320 of Fig. 12, which may be of any conventional construction, may be used and connected to bus bars I98 and 202 for operation in response to the discharge of batteries in the manner described in connection with the lamp unit.

As an alternative to the gravity feed type magazine described in connection with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conveyor type magazine construction of Figs. 13, 14 and 15 may be used. Referring to these figures, a plurality of receptacles 330, preferablysemicylindrical in shape and of appropriate size to receive a selected size of battery or bulb, are suitably secured in slightly spaced relation to the links of an endless chain 332. This is preferably accomplished by forming angle brackets 334 at the backs of receptacles 330 through the inturned ends of which the chain link pins 336 pass, as shown in Fig. 15.

Chain 332 is supported and passes'over the two sprockets 336 and 338, which are suitably sup ported on shafts 340 and 342 respectively. Shafts 340 and 342 may be secured within the supporting structure in any desired manner.

The enclosing shell 344 surrounds the receptacles 330 in slightly spaced relation therefrom and serves to retain the articles within the receptacles. Shell 344 may be secured within the supporting cabinets 346 in any desired manner, and at its lower end is provided with the discharge chute portion 348.

In accordance with the present invention, the coin control mechanism designated generally 350 is connected in driving relation to the shaft 342. Mechanism 350 may in all respects correspond to the coin control mechanism described in connection with the preferred embodiment. With this arrangement, it will be understood that actuation of the coin mechanism rotates shaft 342 through a predetermined angle, and sprocket 338 is so proportioned that rotation through this angle brings one receptacle from the position designated 352 to the discharge position designated 354. In the latter position, the article freely falls into the discharge chute 348.

It will be understood that the conveyor type arrangement of Figs. 13, 14 and 15 may be used either for the vending of batteries or bulbs. If used for batteries, the portions of the enclosing shells engaged by the rear edges of the batteries, at least during the course of the movement from position 352 to position 354 are preferably of conducting material, and the flexible terminal 356 is preferably associated with the coin mechanism for engagement by the center terminal of the discharged battery during the course of its movement from position 352 to position 354. Terminal 356 and the circuit connections and indicating apparatus associated therewith may be arranged as described in connection with such preferred embodiment.

A further alternative magazine construction is illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17, in which a plurality of associated. magazines 360 are disposed in parallel relationship and may be secured together in any desired manner. The magazines 360 are supported upon a plate 362 which is in turn suitably supported within the enclosing cabinet 364. Support 362 is provided with the slot 366, with which the discharge slot 368 of the dis charge element 310 may be brought into registration. Element 310 may be associated with coin mechanism 312 in the manner described in connection with the preferred embodiment. The magazines 360 are slidable as a unit within a trackway 3" associated with support 362. A manually operated handle 376 is preferably provided to effect the sliding of magazines 360. With this arrangement, it will be understood that by operation of handle 316, a selected one of the magazines 360 may be brought into registry with the opening 366 in support 362. The article in such selected magazine is normally retained therein by the circular formation of discharge element 310. Upon rotation of such element, however, discharge slot 368 is brought into registry with the article which thereupon falls into such slot and upon continued rotation of the element is discharged in the manner previously described.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be evident that various modifications may be made in form, number and arrangements 'of parts within the spirit and scope thereof, as defined in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A dispensing machine for electric articles comprising in combination a magazine for storing a plurality of said articles, means for giving each said article a predetermined movement to discharge it from said magazine, and means operable as an incident to said discharge movement of an article for testing the operative condition of said discharged article.

2. A dispensing machine for electric articles comprising in combination a magazine for storing a plurality of said articles, means for giving each said article a predetermined movement to discharge it from said magazine and means including an indicating element rendered effective in the course of said discharge movement of an article for testing the operative condition of said discharged article.

3. A dispensing machine for electric batteries, comprising in combination a magazine for storing a plurality of said batteries, means for giving each said battery a predetermined movement to discharge it from said magazine, and means operable as an incident to said discharge movement of a battery for testing the operative condition of said discharged battery.

4. A dispensing machine for electric articles comprising in combination a magazine for storing a plurality of articles, means for giving each said article a predetermined movement to discharge it from said magazine, a pair of cooperating electric terminals engageable by each said article in the course of said discharge movement thereof, and means including an electric indicating element electrically connected to said terminals.

5. A dispensing machine for electric batteries having exposed terminals comprising in combination a magazine for storing a plurality of said batteries, means for giving each said battery a predetermined movement to discharge it from said magazine, a pair of electric contacts disposed to engage the terminals of each said battery during the said discharge movement thereof,

and means associated with said contacts for indicating the operative condition of the discharged battery. I

ALFRED C. WAGNER. 

